Hobson's Choice, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre season is one of the best things about summer in London, and this year’s line-up looks set to be one of the best yet. It’s a wonderful outing. You take a picnic, drink wine in the sunshine and then get lost in a show as the sun sets and the fairy lights scattered around the theatre start to twinkle (though we would recommend that you bring a waterproof poncho too).  

In the middle of the season comes Harold Brighouse’s classic comedy, Hobson’s Choice. It’s directed by Nadia Fall, whose recent credits include The Doctor’s Dilemma at the National and Home at The Shed. 

Set in the sooty, industrial Lancashire of the 1880s, Hobson’s Choice follows the story of Henry Horatio Hobson – a wealthy, drunken boot-shop owner and father to three young women. He plans to marry off his two youngest daughters, but decides his eldest, Maggie, is plain and “past it” at 30 – and must remain at home. However, wilful Maggie declares that she wants to marry the timid Willie Mossop – an employee of her father’s upon whom his success depends, given Willie’s extraordinary gift for boot-making, and Hobson’s extraordinary love of the pub. 

Hobson refuses permission, and the battle of wills commences. Maggie and Willie set up a rival shop, leading to the demise of Hobson. In the end, Hobson has no choice but allow them to take over his shop too. This is the classic “Hobson’s choice”: an illusion of choice, with only one real option. 

Nor is there much choice as to whether you buy a ticket for this Regent’s Park Open Air play. It is a truly marvellous experience, and one that we strongly recommend you take advantage of this summer.